Tom Paley and the Red Herrings

The Red Herrings kicked things off in their usual style and got the audience suitably warmed up for Tom's arrival.   The Red Herrings are no strangers to A & E nights: the last time they played was at the Christmas Party - see the write up for 23.12.10 and that should give you a good idea of what to expect if you get a chance to see them play.  They did different sets each evening to provide some variety, although one set from them encompasses several different musical styles anyway so you're not likely to get bored watching them perform.

Tom Paley was playing two sold out A & E nights: a second night had to be arranged to meet popular demand.  Tom had also previously performed at A & E nights, having been a very welcome distraction last year in the "Escape the Election Night" on 6 May 2010.   Since his last appearance though Olives have added a small stage, which elevated Tom's small frame and made it easier for us spectators to get a glimpse of him.  His musical pedigree puts him way up there with the Folk greats, he has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Leadbelly but is a very proficient musician in his own right.  His charm and quiet, unassuming manner draw you in; he's the honourary Grandad that everyone wants to adopt into their family, although occasionally he will blurt out a comment or lyrics in a song which you might think unbecoming of a respectable 83 year old gentleman but which nevertheless will make you smirk with surprise and amusement.

Tom started off his set on the first of his two nights with "Little Rabbit", a lullaby type song almost in the same league as "Oh my darling Clementine".   Again, he varied his set on the second night of his performance.  He alternated between playing banjo, guitar and violin.  He played Swedish Polskas on the fiddle and seemed to have no problem getting his tongue around the Swedish lyrics.  He did some upbeat numbers like "Methodist Pie" and "Hurrah" (as to the latter, the lyrics on this one definitely fall into the risqué category so probably not one to receive airplay on the radio!)  It's great to see that he is keeping these traditional songs alive, reciting the several verses which give these folk songs their characteristic story-telling qualities which make them so entertaining to listen to.  And that's what Tom is, a true entertainer, who deserves to be placed with the other legendary performers of his ilk.  It was a great privilege for the attentive audiences from both nights to share the experience with him.

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Author: Dorraine Bennett                           ©2011 Dors Productions